Proteas Women Squad Announced for West Indies Tour | Kapp Returns, Smit Set for T20I Debut

CSA Announces Proteas Women’s Squad for West Indies Tour Ahead of World Cup Build-Up

Summary
Cricket South Africa has unveiled a 16-player squad for the upcoming Proteas Women West Indies tour, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is in Barbados from June 11 to 23.
Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp returns alongside seamers Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi, while young talent Miané Smit is set for her T20I debut.
The matches form a crucial phase in South Africa’s preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, as new coach Mandla Mashimbyi leads his first T20I series.
Selectors have focused on a balance of experience and emerging players, building depth and flexibility ahead of key global assignments.
All matches will be held at the Three Ws Oval, giving players a consistent environment to adapt to Caribbean conditions.

Proteas Women’s West Indies Tour: CSA Names Squad for White-Ball Challenge in Barbados

Cricket South Africa has officially named the Proteas Women’s squad for West Indies tour, a six-match white-ball series set to play a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s preparation for the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The 16-player group will contest three ODIs and three T20Is, all hosted at the scenic Three Ws Oval in Barbados, between June 11 and 23, 2025.

With just over six months until the Women’s World Cup, the tour has been strategically scheduled to test new combinations, allow senior players to re-integrate, and provide valuable match time for young talent under new head coach Mandla Mashimbyi.

Kapp Returns as CSA Blend Experience and Youth for Crucial Series

The return of seasoned all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has made headlines, with the 34-year-old back in action after completing a structured conditioning programme. Kapp’s comeback is expected to bolster the Proteas in both departments, especially considering her exceptional record in Caribbean conditions. She is joined by fellow pace bowlers Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi, both of whom bring depth to the seam attack after being rested for the Sri Lanka series.

In what will be her first T20I tour, Miané Smit, a promising all-rounder who made her ODI debut earlier this year, has been included. Her call-up comes on the back of consistent performances at domestic level and is seen as a strategic move to inject fresh energy into the T20 unit, especially under the leadership of Laura Wolvaardt.

Coach Mandla Mashimbyi, appointed in December 2024, will oversee his first T20I series with the team. While his early tenure has included the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, the West Indies tour is expected to offer a more focused assessment of South Africa’s short-format strategy, especially as they finalize their roadmap for the T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Mashimbyi and Du Preez Focus on Growth, Tactical Versatility

Mashimbyi, speaking ahead of the tour, emphasized the dual goals of performance and preparation. “It’s an exciting white-ball tour ahead, and a fantastic opportunity for the players to test their skills. The more cricket we play, the more we learn about our combinations and our individual growth,” he said.

He also praised the returning trio—Kapp, Sekhukhune, and Hlubi—not only for their ability but for the fresh energy they bring back into the group. The coach underlined the importance of consistency following a “tough but revealing” series in Sri Lanka, where South Africa showed resilience despite falling short in the final stages.

Clinton du Preez, Convenor of Selectors, echoed these sentiments, stating the tour was carefully curated to “assess our combinations and give players opportunities to stake their claim.” The inclusion of a number of young bowlers, coupled with the experience of Wolvaardt, Tryon, and Luus, reflects a clear strategy aimed at adapting to different conditions and building long-term squad depth.

Match Schedule: A Compact, High-Stakes Tour in Familiar Territory

The six matches will be played over a tightly packed two-week window, offering a rhythm that mimics tournament cricket. South Africa begins with the ODIs on June 11, 14, and 17, before switching formats to T20Is on June 20, 22, and 23.

All games will be held at Three Ws Oval, a venue that offers slow, low surfaces and natural variation—perfect preparation for subcontinental challenges expected in the World Cup.

Proteas Women’s Full Squad for West Indies Tour 2025

Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit (uncapped in T20Is), Chloé Tryon

The return of Suné Luus, Ayabonga Khaka, and Chloé Tryon ensures South Africa’s middle-order and bowling units remain experienced and stable, while the consistent rise of Nonkululeko Mlaba adds bite to their spin department.

CSA’s Eye on World Cup and Beyond

This tour signals not just a return to cricketing action for the Proteas Women, but a clear message that the build-up to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has entered a decisive phase. By mixing battle-hardened veterans with enthusiastic newcomers, Cricket South Africa has placed its trust in a squad that reflects both legacy and future.

If this blend clicks in Barbados, the Proteas will not only carry home a series win but momentum and confidence that could define their global campaign later this year.